Seven Westminster College senior environmental science majors will present research findings on reducing unwanted metals in Pennsylvania'a streams Monday, May 7, at 7 p.m. in the Hoyt Science Resources Center, room 166.

This semester-long research project, "Investigation of the Ability of Two Model Acid Mine Drainage Passive Treatment Systems to Reduce, Iron, Aluminum and Nickel Concentrations in Discharged Waters," investigates two ways to try to reduce unwanted metals in Pennsylvania's streams.

"The model systems utilized two organic constituents, untreated saw dust and aquatic macrophyte compost, as well as river gravel and limestone," said Seth Rice, senior from Indiana. "This type of project is important to the future because of the need for low cost and highly efficient solutions to Pennsylvania's acid mine drainage problem. It's the state's number one water quality contaminant."

"The capstone experience is a course that is almost entirely student driven," said Dr. Joseph Balczon, assistant professor of biology and co-advisor of the group. "The students are responsible for identifying an environmental problem of interest to them, and designing a study to investigate some aspect of the problem."

The students were invited to present their research findings at a symposium of the Slippery Rock Creek Watershed Coalition, which was attended by Margaret Dunn, president and CEO of CDS Associates and President of Stream Restoration, Inc., John Oliver, secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and National Resources (DCNR) and Joan Clippinger, coordinator of education and information of the DCNR.

"Everyone spoke highly of the Westminster students, citing their innovative ideas, quality of their work, their maturity, and their positive attitudes," said Balczon.

"It was a time-consuming project that involved careful planning, execution and coordination by all of us. This type of project teaches both academic and practical lessons like the ability to work efficiently and effectively in small group situations, while maintaining a tight schedule," said Rice. "I think the importance the Westminster College curriculum places on interdisciplinary teaching emphasizes learning both in and out of the classroom, and a project such as this calls upon such skills to ensure success."

For more information, contact Rice at (724) 946-6470.